Volstad has allowed 1ER in 11 IP so far this spring right? Does he have a legit shot at the rotation? I would think so; especially since Olsen and Mitre both might not be ready...

If Olsen and Mitre go down.. I would say Volstad is the next one in line...

 

Could be a big possibility thats he's in the first 4 man rotation

Yea the way the rotation is shaping up, I see Volstad getting a shot.

I'd have liked for Volstad to make it to the big show a couple of years older with an extra mph or two.

If Miller and Hendrickson have two spots locked up, that leaves two spots for a 4 man rotation. You'd figure the Marlins would have Nolasco also in the mix of starters just based on experience. Although Nolasco was alright in the pen, our pen looks good even without him. Last spot is between VandenHurk, Volstad, and G. Hernandez. I would think Volstad is over Gaby Hernandez. It would be a tough call between VandenHurk and Volstad. I'm sure Olsen will be ready when the rotation goes back to the 5 man rotation.

i know we shouldn't be thinking about this, but what a waste of an arb year with the new stadium around the corner. keep him in the minors for at least the start of the season.

i know we shouldn't be thinking about this, but what a waste of an arb year with the new stadium around the corner. keep him in the minors for at least the start of the season.

If we brought him up a couple months into the season, he would most likely be a Super Two, assuming he sticks with the club thereafter.

he is deffinately making a case for himself, especially with 4 scoreless innings today and taking over after Gaby got rocked.

It's always hard to tell how well a kid is pitching in spring ball especially if he's the second or third one out the shute any given day.

 

That said Volstad, and Hernandez as well, both seem primed to take their place in the rotation regardless of how well others perform down the stretch. I'd like to see them both start at least two more games each (to see how they perform being stretched out to five innings+ while facing more regular MLB starting lineups).

 

Certainly Volstad has to be opening a lot of eyes this spring and short of blowing up is in the starting rotation come opening day. Hernandez is making a better case this spring than Vanden Hurk or anyone else so if Mitre and Olsen are both well, and on the road to recovery but need more time to get ready I don't think the Fish will be afraid to send both kids out there at least in the first few weeks of the season.

 

Not to take a shot at what FishFF says above, the one thing in play here (as I see it) is they aren't "being a given a shot" in the classic sense of something being handed to them (and I'm not sure that's what FishFF actually meant), they are going out there and taking jobs away from other guys the hard way. They're earning it. They are out-pitching all the other contenders plain and simple.

It's always hard to tell how well a kid is pitching in spring ball especially if he's the second or third one out the shute any given day.

 

That said Volstad, and Hernandez as well, both seem primed to take their place in the rotation regardless of how well others perform down the stretch. I'd like to see them both start at least two more games each (to see how they perform being stretched out to five innings+ while facing more regular MLB starting lineups).

 

Certainly Volstad has to be opening a lot of eyes this spring and short of blowing up is in the starting rotation come opening day. Hernandez is making a better case this spring than Vanden Hurk or anyone else so if Mitre and Olsen are both well, and on the road to recovery but need more time to get ready I don't think the Fish will be afraid to send both kids out there at least in the first few weeks of the season.

 

Not to take a shot at what FishFF says above, the one thing in play here (as I see it) is they aren't "being a given a shot" in the classic sense of something being handed to them (and I'm not sure that's what FishFF actually meant), they are going out there and taking jobs away from other guys the hard way. They're earning it. They are out-pitching all the other contenders plain and simple.

 

I think you read in to my statement to much, but when the projected opening 5 man rotation was supposed to include Mitre and Olsen and there status is up in the air, it does open up other opportunities for Volstad and Hernandez. With that said, that doesn't mean they have not earned the chance to be there, and they will be given a shot to be a part of the rotation.

It's always hard to tell how well a kid is pitching in spring ball especially if he's the second or third one out the shute any given day.

 

That said Volstad, and Hernandez as well, both seem primed to take their place in the rotation regardless of how well others perform down the stretch. I'd like to see them both start at least two more games each (to see how they perform being stretched out to five innings+ while facing more regular MLB starting lineups).

 

Certainly Volstad has to be opening a lot of eyes this spring and short of blowing up is in the starting rotation come opening day. Hernandez is making a better case this spring than Vanden Hurk or anyone else so if Mitre and Olsen are both well, and on the road to recovery but need more time to get ready I don't think the Fish will be afraid to send both kids out there at least in the first few weeks of the season.

 

Not to take a shot at what FishFF says above, the one thing in play here (as I see it) is they aren't "being a given a shot" in the classic sense of something being handed to them (and I'm not sure that's what FishFF actually meant), they are going out there and taking jobs away from other guys the hard way. They're earning it. They are out-pitching all the other contenders plain and simple.

 

I think you read in to my statement to much, but when the projected opening 5 man rotation was supposed to include Mitre and Olsen and there status is up in the air, it does open up other opportunities for Volstad and Hernandez. With that said, that doesn't mean they have not earned the chance to be there, and they will be given a shot to be a part of the rotation.

I believe Vanden Hurk will make the rotation if need be both him and another will be needed and Volsted is making it very hard to send him down right now. Hedrickson worries me he has shown nothing yet

The whole rotation worries me. I think Volstad has earned a shot but it's disconcerting that the only guy I feel good about right now is a guy who pitched only half a year in double A.

i know we shouldn't be thinking about this, but what a waste of an arb year with the new stadium around the corner. keep him in the minors for at least the start of the season.

 

I say we should definitely be thinking about this and it's not a small issue.

Hendrickson was brought in to be the fourth or fifth guy in the rotation and to expect more is unrealistic, at least the way I see it.

 

The issues really revolve around who pitches ahead of him and I'm not sure that any of the available free agent pitchers that have been mentioned are going to be ready to start the season if they were signed today, regardless of what throwing or workouts they are going through on their own.

 

In the back of my mind I keep reminding myself Gregg was a spot starter in 2005/2006 and perhaps (read big question mark) ala Smoltz could be called on to pick up a few games until someone else is ready. I look at Badenhop's performance this spring and his numbers last season (including a complete game), Waechter's experience and a couple of others and I wonder if they could go over to the minor league camp and throw three-four-five-six innings every five days until the season starts in hopes even one of them shows enough to start in April it wouldn't be the worst move the Marlins could make. Ditto Barrone. (In effect having two five man rotations pitching simultaneously)

 

After all, what are we really looking for here? One guy who can give the team six innings for four or five starts and keeps us in games (ex. 4.00+/- ERA). beyond that we keep our fingers crossed.

 

The other alternative, thinking more long term (and I'm being pragmatic and nothing else), is to put Hermida out there as tradebait. Perhaps packaged with a high pitching prospect. I know a firestorm will ensue for even mentioning the thought but it is based on one thing, GMs regardless of what we like to think about them didn't get where they are by being idiots or fools and any front office would have to be blind to not recognize what a terrific job Hermida did after the All-Star break last season. It's that track record (a spectacular .340/.401/.555/.956 with 10 homeruns) that creates significant trade value. Neither Uggla nor Willingham, or Jacobs are right now, based on the second half of last season compelling enough to bring what Hermida can.

 

And I believe with the three fourth outfielders we have in camp, Carroll, De Aza and Ross, especially Carroll (Alb. '07 .314/.361/.597.958 19 homeruns, best outfield arm in the system), we potentially have another Hermida in the making. Again, others can disagree and no doubt will but the best and quickest way to fix our rotation is to make the big move, and for me the only one who fits that description is Hermida.

I wouldn't see the point in trading Hermida due to the fact any upgrade in the pitching staff he brings still wont be enough to help the Fish do much this year. I would side more with having the younger arms start throwing 5-6 inning games and get them ready for the season until we can get heallthy. I agree with the depth in Carroll and Ross, but I don't see them coming close to what Hermida can produce.

The reason for hypothetically trading Hermida is he brings the most in return, and by that I don't mean some slub or aging, over-priced unwelcome on his current team starter but rather an equivalent level, equivalent service time starting pitcher who has the skills to contribute (and be an asset) to the team for a number of years (or again being pragmatic, will have trade value of his own if and when we have some of our young arms mature and ready to take his place).

 

If you want a mediocre 5.00 ERA starting pitcher trade Wllingham (or everybody's favorite whipping boy Mike Jacobs) and see what you get.

 

I'm talking about trading quality for quality, the kind of trade where every messageboard for the two teams are on fire debating who got the best of who (I'll put Beinfest and company up against most in that department).

 

I'm also not as pessimistic as some here regarding this season "if" we can put together a real starting rotation by Opening Day. The key to the season is to not destroy the bullpen by May 15th because they're pitching in the fourth inning every other day. If you want to follow Lou's scenario for unloading the bullpen at the trade deadline, you have to have a bullpen to trade.

 

You can't look at these things in a vacuum. In a perfect world Hermida is a Marlin on Opening Day 2011 but if trading him this spring means saving five or six arms because of it, especially if we're trading for a pitcher who theoretically could be part of the 2011 team himself.

Thinking longterm and pragmatic would be keeping all three of your legitimate .900+ OPS threats in this organization - Hanely, Hermida, Maybin - completely untouchable and locked into place, and deal with these piddling pitching injuries with starts to Waecther, Barone, Seddon, Caravajal, or signing Kyle Loshe to a one year contract, or Jeff Weaver, or picking up recently released Horacio Ramirez (a very good idea right now). All of these options protect our pitchers to get to the summer when Anibal, Mitre, Volstad, and G. Hernandez can all literally join the rotation in June and July.

 

I understand you don't want to rush pitchers, and I agree completely, but I mean seriously. This one is going waaaaaaaaaay to far. This team has a stockpile of pitching, and it would be flat out outrageous to trade the big 3 to add even more pitching. That is probably the worst thing this organization could do. We have a lot of "maybe" hitters coming up, and sure Carroll and De Aza are blowing up spring training, but they are not going to be cornerstone position players. Carroll is NOWHERE near Hermida on the talent spectrum. To become a cost-effective contender, we need to have some hitters in the organization too. We have our entire core in place right now in my opinion. Let the AAA staff and Horacio Ramirez's of the world get starts for 2 months. They can handle it. Good lord, take Hermida's name out of this equation.

The reason for hypothetically trading Hermida is he brings the most in return, and by that I don't mean some slub or aging, over-priced unwelcome on his current team starter but rather an equivalent level, equivalent service time starting pitcher who has the skills to contribute (and be an asset) to the team for a number of years (or again being pragmatic, will have trade value of his own if and when we have some of our young arms mature and ready to take his place).

 

If you want a mediocre 5.00 ERA starting pitcher trade Wllingham (or everybody's favorite whipping boy Mike Jacobs) and see what you get.

 

I'm talking about trading quality for quality, the kind of trade where every messageboard for the two teams are on fire debating who got the best of who (I'll put Beinfest and company up against most in that department).

 

I'm also not as pessimistic as some here regarding this season "if" we can put together a real starting rotation by Opening Day. The key to the season is to not destroy the bullpen by May 15th because they're pitching in the fourth inning every other day. If you want to follow Lou's scenario for unloading the bullpen at the trade deadline, you have to have a bullpen to trade.

 

You can't look at these things in a vacuum. In a perfect world Hermida is a Marlin on Opening Day 2011 but if trading him this spring means saving five or six arms because of it, especially if we're trading for a pitcher who theoretically could be part of the 2011 team himself.

 

I just don't see the logic. The strength of our minor league system is all of the young talented pitching that we have acquired either through trades or via the draft. The weakness is position players. Why would we trade from our position of weakness for a position of strength?

 

Anibal will be back by mid season. In the mean time we have Hernandez, Volstad, and RVH to pick up the slack. What is wrong with that? I think when all is said and done that Volstad and RVH will both be key members of our staff in 11'. You can even throw in Thompon who had a wonderful spring. Not to mention that next season we get Josh Johnson back. Like I said, I just don't see the logic. After trading Cabs, we need to keep our hitting core in tact. Especially a talent like Hermida.

 

Just out of curiosity, who did you have in mind getting back when trading Hermida?

Thinking longterm and pragmatic would be keeping all three of your legitimate .900+ OPS threats in this organization - Hanely, Hermida, Maybin - completely untouchable and locked into place, and deal with these piddling pitching injuries with starts to Waecther, Barone, Seddon, Caravajal, or signing Kyle Loshe to a one year contract, or Jeff Weaver, or picking up recently released Horacio Ramirez (a very good idea right now). All of these options protect our pitchers to get to the summer when Anibal, Mitre, Volstad, and G. Hernandez can all literally join the rotation in June and July.

 

I understand you don't want to rush pitchers, and I agree completely, but I mean seriously. This one is going waaaaaaaaaay to far. This team has a stockpile of pitching, and it would be flat out outrageous to trade the big 3 to add even more pitching. That is probably the worst thing this organization could do. We have a lot of "maybe" hitters coming up, and sure Carroll and De Aza are blowing up spring training, but they are not going to be cornerstone position players. Carroll is NOWHERE near Hermida on the talent spectrum. To become a cost-effective contender, we need to have some hitters in the organization too. We have our entire core in place right now in my opinion. Let the AAA staff and Horacio Ramirez's of the world get starts for 2 months. They can handle it. Good lord, take Hermida's name out of this equation.

Normally I do not say this if I agree with a point of view, because it adds nothing to a discussion, but this time I will. You make a he.. of a lot of sense. Now, the next time I do it, someone will remind me.

The other alternative, thinking more long term (and I'm being pragmatic and nothing else), is to put Hermida out there as tradebait. Perhaps packaged with a high pitching prospect. I know a firestorm will ensue for even mentioning the thought but it is based on one thing, GMs regardless of what we like to think about them didn't get where they are by being idiots or fools and any front office would have to be blind to not recognize what a terrific job Hermida did after the All-Star break last season. It's that track record (a spectacular .340/.401/.555/.956 with 10 homeruns) that creates significant trade value. Neither Uggla nor Willingham, or Jacobs are right now, based on the second half of last season compelling enough to bring what Hermida can.

 

And I believe with the three fourth outfielders we have in camp, Carroll, De Aza and Ross, especially Carroll (Alb. '07 .314/.361/.597.958 19 homeruns, best outfield arm in the system), we potentially have another Hermida in the making. Again, others can disagree and no doubt will but the best and quickest way to fix our rotation is to make the big move, and for me the only one who fits that description is Hermida.

 

This is the least pragmatic post of all time.

i know we shouldn't be thinking about this, but what a waste of an arb year with the new stadium around the corner. keep him in the minors for at least the start of the season.

 

I say we should definitely be thinking about this and it's not a small issue.

 

I support this line of thinking.

Sure. BTW, the word pragmatic is exactly the word I wanted to use - the word pragmatic having to do with being practical as opposed to the usual pie in the sky "let's trade Mike Jacobs for Johan Santana" trade proposals - and if you are language challenged I'll be glad to tutor you.

Sure. BTW, the word pragmatic is exactly the word I wanted to use - the word pragmatic having to do with being practical as opposed to the usual pie in the sky "let's trade Mike Jacobs for Johan Santana" trade proposals - and if you are language challenged I'll be glad to tutor you.

 

I fear your tutoring.

Sure. BTW, the word pragmatic is exactly the word I wanted to use - the word pragmatic having to do with being practical as opposed to the usual pie in the sky "let's trade Mike Jacobs for Johan Santana" trade proposals - and if you are language challenged I'll be glad to tutor you.

 

I fear your tutoring.

 

Language comprehension is a wonderful thing, try it sometime.

another solid outing for Chris today.